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Coconut-Clam Stock

This image may contain Animal Invertebrate Sea Life Clam Seashell and Bowl
Photo by Peden & Munk

The clams give up all their essence in this rich coconut-based stock. It's great for curries, or use it as the liquid base for a pot of steamed mussels or littleneck clams.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 fennel bulb, trimmed, coarsely chopped
1 lemongrass stalk, tough outer layers removed, lightly smashed, coarsely chopped
2 bay leaves
6 cherrystone or other large hard-shell clams, scrubbed
1 cup dry white wine
1 (13.5-ounce can) unsweetened coconut milk
Kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium-low. Add onion, fennel, lemongrass, and bay leaves. Cover and cook, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure no browning occurs, until softened, 8–10 minutes. (The flavor won't be ruined if the vegetables take on color, but the stock will end up grayish.)

    Step 2

    Add clams and wine and increase heat to medium-high. Cover and cook until clams open, 12–15 minutes. Add coconut milk and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids; discard solids. Season stock with salt. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and emulsified, if desired.

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